Ultimate Blog Party 2012

Welcome! - So glad to have you come over for a visit! I'm joining up at the Ultimate Blog Party for the first time, and look forward to connecting with other bloggers there. Would love to give you an introduction to my blog, and I'd be honored to hear from you, as well - and will head over to visit you soon, too. Enjoy your visit here!

Spring is my favorite season of the year - I just love the freshness of new life, the blossoms on our apple and peach trees, the green grass, open windows, birds chirping, and flowers blooming. But even more wonderful than the season of spring, is having a sense of springtime in our hearts that lasts all through the year. A sense of freshness and closeness in our relationship with God, where we are very aware of His love and are walking closely with Him. Where every day can feel fresh, like spring.

It's fitting that this Pursuing Heart blog came into existence two years ago, in the spring. I had been asking God for some new direction during this "empty nest" stage of life that I am in now, and through a series of events, including the encouragement of some women in our community, this place was birthed. I've journaled a lot through the years, as writing is my way of learning and growing, making the things that I read and experience a part of who I am, all for His purposes.

Little did I know two years ago, how much I would love blogging! God has given me much joy as I have followed, given me courage to share my heart in this public place, and has blessed me with connections with our own grown children here, with friends in real life, as well as with new friends that I have met here. So many unexpected blessings! Offering up to God the little seeds, soaking up His love and mercy through the joys and trials of life, and watching Him bring springtime.

My primary focus is on sharing the things that grab my heart as I spend time in God's Word, and in listening to Him. Sharing as I learn, from an overflowing heart of thanks. Also I love to share my heart as I pursue all things related to the family, and home - from my years of mothering six children, and now as a "grama" of ten sweet grandkids! Also I enjoy sharing recipes, posting about my new interest in digital scrapbooking ... and I love all the ideas and encouragement from other bloggers.

For those who are visiting here from the Ultimate Blog Party 2012, thanks for coming by! I pray that you will be refreshed and encouraged here. Here are a few samples of some of my posts from recent weeks/months:

Devotional Thoughts - In Need, Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Recipes - Layered Salad in a Jar

Mothering - Sweet Daughters

Digital Scrapbooking - Taking Time

Photo Collage of some of my favorites in posting:

Top Left: life as a mom and grama (photo with our newest grandbaby, born just last month!)

Top Right: using my photos, especially nature photos, in devotional posts

Bottom Left: sharing life as an "empty nester" (photo from our 40th Anniversary Trip to Italy!)

Bottom Right: posts about beautiful & delicious food (photo from a family gathering last summer)

Please visit the Ultimate Blog Party 2012 to meet other bloggers, and thanks for coming by for a visit here!